Vehicle locating method and system

ABSTRACT

A method and service that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track and monitor vehicles that are being service is presented. Each vehicle has an attached RFID tag that contains detailed information about that vehicle. A customer can log onto a website hosted by a service department. The website is populated with real-time data showing the current service area in which the vehicle is located.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/062,685 (Atty. Docket No. END920040196US1), filed on Feb.22, 2005, and entitled, “Product Locating Method and System,” which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to the field of computers, andin particular to computer systems that use radio frequencyidentification (RFID) technology. Still more particularly, the presentinvention relates to a method and service for physically locating aproduct, such as a vehicle, that is being serviced.

2. Description of the Related Art

A customer's experience in purchasing a major product, including avehicle such as a car, truck or boat, is typically a difficult ordeal.In a usual scenario, the customer tells a sales representative generallywhat he is looking for, and the sales representative then physicallylooks over inventory on the lot to find a likely match. The salesrepresentative locates keys for a selected vehicle, often after firstspeaking with a sales manager, and then takes the customer onto the lotto look at the selected vehicle. The customer often decides that theselected vehicle does not meet his needs/desires, and the cycle startsover again with another vehicle.

Likewise, after the sale is it difficult for the customer to check on astatus of the vehicle when being serviced (maintenance, repairs, etc.).The customer must contact his service representative, who is often onanother call or otherwise unavailable, who must then track down thevehicle to determine the completion status of the service work beingperformed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is needed, therefore, is a method and system that locates andtracks a product that is being serviced.

Thus, the present invention is directed to a method and service thatuses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track and monitorvehicles that are being serviced. Each vehicle has an attached RFID tagthat contains detailed information about that vehicle. A customer canlog onto a website hosted by a service department. The website ispopulated with real-time data showing the current service area in whichthe vehicle is located.

In one embodiment, the service department has a specific serviceprocedure that describes the order in which service steps will beperformed on each vehicle, and in which physical areas of the serviceshop, thus allowing the customer to know how many more stations areneeded to be visited by that vehicle before the service is completed.

The above, as well as additional purposes, features, and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent in the following detailedwritten description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further purposes and advantages thereof, willbest be understood by reference to the following detailed description ofan illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system that may beused by a wireless tablet computer and by a wireless radio frequencyidentification (RFID) controller/server according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a inventory lot having RFID interrogatorsfor identifying and locating vehicles that match the requirements of acustomer;

FIGS. 3 a-c show sequential graphical user interfaces (GUIs), displayedon the wireless tablet computer, that describe choices and results basedon the customer's requirements;

FIGS. 3 d-e shows GUIs offering an option to special order anunavailable vehicle using the wireless tablet computer;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a transport vehicle having an ability to providereal time data regarding a location of a specific vehicle in transit;

FIG. 4 b is a GUI on a computer screen showing a map and location of thetransport vehicle in real time;

FIG. 5 a is a map of a service department showing a routing order for avehicle being serviced;

FIG. 5 b depicts a block diagram of a network that allows a customer toremotely access a website showing a real time location of the vehiclebeing serviced;

FIG. 5 c is a GUI showing the status of the vehicle being serviced; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps taken in a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for locating and tracking a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the figures, and in particular to FIG. 1, there isdepicted a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system 100 inwhich a preferred embodiment of the present invention may beimplemented. Specifically, data processing system 100 describes ingeneral terms hardware that may be used by a wireless radio frequencyidentification (RFID) controller/server 208 and by a wireless tabletcomputer 210 shown in FIG. 2.

Data processing system 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102,which is connected to a system bus 108. In the exemplary embodiment,data processing system 100 includes a graphics adapter 104, which isalso connected to system bus 108, for providing user interfaceinformation to a display 106.

Also connected to system bus 108 are a system memory 110 and aninput/output (I/O) bus bridge 112. I/O bus bridge 112 couples an I/O bus114 to system bus 108, relaying and/or transforming data transactionsfrom one bus to the other. Peripheral devices such as nonvolatilestorage 116, which may be a hard disk drive, optical drive, or similarmass storage device(s). Also attached to I/O bus 114 is an input device118, which may include a conventional mouse, a trackball, or the like,as well as a keyboard or similar device.

Also coupled to I/0 bus 114 is a wireless interface 120, which provideswireless communication with wireless devices, including radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tags (such as RFID tags 204 shown in FIG. 2).

Also coupled to I/O bus 114 is a network interface 122, which providesnetwork communication via a network 124 to remote computing systems.Coupled to network 124 is an inventory server 126, which contains adatabase of inventory that is available on a local lot, a remote lot, oris in transit, as well as products that can be ordered from themanufacturer.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided solely for thepurposes of explaining the invention and those skilled in the art willrecognize that numerous variations are possible, both in form andfunction. For instance, data processing system 100 might also include asound card and audio speakers, and numerous other optional components.All such variations are believed to be within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 2, there is depicted an inventory lot 200 inwhich the present invention may be implemented. As discussed below,inventory lot 200 may be a local lot, or it may be a remote lot. Locatedon inventory lot 200 are vehicles 202. Attached to each vehicle 202 is aradio frequency identification (RFID) tag 204. Each RFID tag 204 may beattached to a vehicle 202 by either a manufacturer of the vehicle 202,or it may be attached “after market” by a sales or service enterprise.

Each RFID tag 204 contains information specific to the vehicle 202 towhich that RFID tag 204 is attached. This information may include, butis not limited to, the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model,features, color, manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), dealer'scost (before and after dealer incentives), availability (how many othersimilar vehicles are in the dealer's inventory), staleness (how long thevehicle has been sitting on the dealer's lot), new, demonstrator or usedstatus, and available financing (including special interest ratesoffered by the manufacturer) of the vehicle 202.

Each RFID tag 204 (also known as an RFID transponder) is interrogated byone or more RFID interrogators 206 (also known as an RFID reader). EachRFID tag 204 includes a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and anantenna (not shown, but known and understood to those skilled in theart). Each RFID interrogator 206 includes an antenna and a transceiver,which includes a transmitter and a receiver (not shown, but known andunderstood to those skilled in the art).

Wirelessly coupled to each RFID interrogator 206 is a wireless RFIDcontroller/server 208, which includes hardware and software forinterrogating and decoding information from the RFID interrogators 206.Alternatively, the structure and/or function of the RFID interrogators206 and the wireless RFID controller/server 208 may be integrated into asingle package.

Communication between the RFID tags 204 and the RFID interrogators 206may be passive, semi-passive, or active. In the passive mode, the RFIDinterrogators 206 send an interrogation radio frequency signal ofappropriate frequency and strength to provide power to the RFID tags204. In the semi-passive and active modes, power is supplied to the RFIDtags 204 by an on-board battery. In the semi-passive mode, the RFID tag204 either acts in response to an interrogation from an RFIDinterrogator 206, or is on a timer and only periodically sends outinformation to the RFID interrogators 206. In the active mode,communication can be initiated by the RFID tag 204.

Each RFID interrogator 206 is capable of determining a distance fromthat RFID interrogator 206 and a specific RFID tag 204, using techniquesknown to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to Dopplershifting (change in frequency in an electromagnetic signal beingelectronically “bounced” off an RFID tag 204), and timing delta(measurement of the amount of time required for an RFID tag 204 torespond to an RFID interrogation from the RFID interrogator 206. Bytaking a distance measurement from multiple RFID interrogators 206, thenthe exact coordinate position of a particular RFID tag 204 (and itsattached vehicle 202) can be determined by known methods of“triangulation.” This coordinate location is then used to identify,using a look-up table in a database, the specific row and/or spacenumber in which the vehicle is parked, in order to help the salesrepresentative and customer find the vehicle. By this process oftriangulation, for example, the location of vehicle 202-a may bedetermined to be on Row A, Space 2.

A wireless RFID controller/server 208 contains a database of vehiclesstored on a local inventory lot 200, as well as other vehicles availableon other lots or in transit. Information stored in each RFID tag 204 canbe updated by the wireless RFID controller/server 208, and vice versa.Wireless RFID controller/server 208 is able to wirelessly communicatewith a wireless tablet computer 210, as well as a network 124 (eitherwirelessly or via a wired connection such as an Ethernet). Wireless RFIDcontroller/server 208 and wireless tablet computer 210 can each use thehardware configuration of data processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

Wireless table computer 210, which alternatively may be any dataprocessing system, either wireless or wired, is preferably available toa sales representative for identifying and locating a vehicle 202 asdescribed in detail below. Note that vehicle 202 is defined as anyvehicle, including those for land, air or sea travel, such as cars,trucks, boats, aircraft, etc.

With reference now to FIG. 3 a, there is depicted a graphical userinterface (GUI) 300 a displayed on a display (such as display 106 shownin FIG. 1) on a computer (such as wireless tablet computer 210 shown inFIG. 2). GUI 300 a includes drop down active windows 302 a, which may beactively selected using a stylus pen, cursor controller (mouse), etc.Shown for exemplary purposes, GUI 300 a shows three choices for a bodystyle of a vehicle, including “Sedan,” “Coupe,” or “SUW.” Similarly,three choices of price ranges are given.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a salesrepresentative at a car dealership meets with a potential customer. Asthe customer tells the sales representative what characteristics areimportant in the type of vehicle he is interested in buying, the salesrepresentative selects the appropriate choice. For example, assume thatthe customer wants a coupe that costs less than $15,000. The salerepresentative selects the appropriate active windows 302 a, whichcauses the wireless RFID controller/server 208 shown in FIG. 2 to searcha database for available vehicles (preferably on a local vehicle lot)that meet the selected criteria.

Upon locating vehicles, which are preferably presently located in alocal inventory lot, that match the needs of the customer, RFIDcontroller/server 208 then sends a new page shown in FIG. 3 b as GUI 300b. Drop down windows 302 b show available appropriate vehicles. Assumethat the customer selects a Blue “Model B” vehicle. After the salesrepresentative activates the appropriate active windows 302 b, wirelessRFID controller/server 208 searches its database, and/or interrogates,via RFID interrogators 206, the RFID tags 204 on the vehicles 202 shownin FIG. 2. Wireless RFID controller/server 208 then sends a new pageshown in FIG. 3 c as GUI 300 c, showing the location (Row B, space 3)and price ($27,589) of the selected vehicle. Note also that GUI 300 cincludes locator option buttons 304 that, if selected, will causewireless RFID controller/server 208 to remotely turn on the horn and/orlights of the selected vehicle (using a remote horn/light activationfeature on the vehicle 202).

With reference now to FIG. 3 d, a GUI 300 d is shown offering thesalesman the option of ordering the desired vehicle from a computer,such as but not limited to the wireless tablet computer 210. Optionbuttons 306, if clicked, will result in an automatic ordering of the“Blue Model B” via the network 124 shown in FIG. 2. The inventory server126 shown in FIG. 1 can access its databank, determine that the BlueModel B can still be ordered from the manufacturer at the suggestedMSRP. If the “Yes” button is selected, then a subsequent GUI 300 e, asshown in FIG. 3 e, will appear, showing the estimated arrival date ofthe ordered vehicle. Note also that the Wireless RFID Controller/Server208 knows which salesman is using the wireless tablet computer 210,preferably by the salesman logging on with his UserID at the initiationof his use for the day. Thus, the special automatic ordering will be inthe name of the salesman. Alternatively, the salesman can enter the nameof the interested customer (entry window not shown).

Next, consider a scenario in which the desired vehicle is not on a localvehicle lot. If the desired vehicle, identified by the database storedin (or otherwise available to) wireless RFID controller/server 208, ison a remote vehicle lot, then a similar process as described above canbe utilized, thus providing locating information to the salesrepresentative when calling or going to the remote vehicle lot. However,there may be times in which the desired vehicle is neither in a local orremote lot, or being test driven, but rather is in transit.

Referring then to FIG. 4 a, a transport vehicle 402 is shown. Loaded ontransport vehicle 402 are multiple vehicles, each having a unique RFIDtag 204 (including the shown RFID tags 204 a-c) attached to the vehicle.Transport vehicle 402 has on-board an RFID reader 404, which includes(not shown) a transceiver and decoder for reading information from RFIDtags 204. Preferably, RFID reader 404 has a range that is so limited asto allow RFID reader 404 to only read the RFID tags 204 beingtransported by transport vehicle 402.

Transport vehicle 402 also has on-board a Global Positioning System(GPS) unit 406, which is capable of identifying exactly where thetransport vehicle 402 is located in real time. RFID reader 404 and GPSunit 406 are coupled to a telecommunications system 408, having anantenna 410, which allows telecommunication between transport vehicle402 and, preferably, wireless RFID controller/server 208, eitherdirectly or via network 124, shown in FIG. 2.

Telecommunication system 408 includes hardware and software thatcombines information from RFID reader 404 and GPS unit 406 into areal-time packet of data that describes exactly where a vehicle intransit is located. For example, logic in telecommunication system 408may combine data from RFID tag 204 a with real-time data from GPS unit406 to describe the fact that vehicle 202 a is currently at a real-timetruck location 414, as shown in a GUI 412 in FIG. 4 b.

GUI 412, which may be displayed on wireless tablet computer 210 shown inFIG. 2, or on any other computer (preferably) at a local dealership,shows a map that includes the real-time truck location 414 of transportvehicle 402. An icon 416 shows a direction and location that transportvehicle 402 is traveling. Optionally, icon 416 can be an active fieldthat, when clicked, displays information on some or all of the vehicles202 being transported on transport vehicle 402, according to informationfrom their attached RFID tags 204.

Referring still to FIG. 4 b, assume that a particular vehicle 202 isdestined for original destination 418, which may be another dealership,a remote vehicle lot, etc. The map shown in GUI 412 shows that aselected vehicle 202, which has not been pre-sold, could be easilyre-routed to a new desired destination 420 (such as a dealer's locallot). This re-routing can be accomplished by manually calling the driverof the transport vehicle 402 (via radio, cell phone, PDA, et al.), or bygenerating a computer signal to an on-board computer (not shown) on thetransport vehicle 402 instructing the driver to divert to the newdesired destination 420.

Besides needing to locate a vehicle for sale, it is also desirable totrack vehicles that are in the process of being serviced. With referencenow to FIG. 5 a, a service department map 502 is shown. Within theservice department are a tune-up area 504, a lube area 506, a wash rack508, and a parking lot 510, all of which can be monitored from a serviceoffice 512 as well as remotely, as described below.

Assume for exemplary purposes that a specific vehicle is scheduled tosequentially have work done in the tune-up area 504, lube area 506 andwash rack 508, and then, upon completion of the service work, is to beparked in the parking lot 510, as shown by the flow arrows. Also assumethat this specific vehicle (not shown) has an attached RFID tag (asdescribed above), and that tune-up area 504, lube area 506, wash rack508, and parking lot 510 all have adequate RFID interrogators (alsodescribed above) to determine which of these areas presently has thevehicle. This determination may be made by the triangulation processdescribed above, or may be through the use of low-power RFIDinterrogators that, because of their low power, are only able tointerrogate RFIDs in their area.

As shown in FIG. 5 b, a customer's browser 514 can access a servicedepartment website 516 via a network, such as an Internet 518. Afterlogging into the base website, and inputting the vehicle's servicenumber, license plate, or other identifier into an active field, awebpage 520 is sent to the customer's browser 514. An exemplary webpage520, as shown in FIG. 5 c, shows the current status of the service workby showing where the vehicle is currently located, as well as when allservice should be completed (as calculated by its location). Thus, thecustomer can check the status of his vehicle's service on-line withoutinvolving a service representative. Alternatively, an electronic messagecan be sent to the customer, either manually or automatically when thevehicle is in any selected area, informing the customer of the status ofhis service work. The message can be sent as an e-mail, a cell phonetext message, a page signal, or any other electronic message media thatis desired.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a flow chart of steps taken in a preferredembodiment to locate a vehicle for purchase is depicted. After initiatorblock 600, a sales representative enters the customer's desired vehiclefeatures into his wireless tablet computer (block 602), as described indetail above. Information from all RFID tags on vehicles on the lot areread (block 604), and a desired vehicle is located based on a match ofthe customer's desired vehicle features with information from one ormore RFIDs (block 606). If the desired vehicle is on the local inventorylot (query block 608), then the sales representative is so notified ofthe vehicle's location on his tablet computer (block 610), and thevehicle's horn/lights are optionally flashed on to aid in locating thevehicle. Preferably, the location of the vehicle is described as beingon a named row and/or space.

If the desired vehicle is not on the local lot, then its location isdetermined (block 612) as either being in another lot or else as beingin transit (query block 614). If it is on another remote lot, then thatremote lot has an infrastructure as described above for the local lot,and the specific location of the vehicle is sent to the salerepresentative. If the desired vehicle is in transit, then the salesrepresentative is so notified and the vehicle is optionally re-routed tothe local inventory lot (block 616), where the process end (terminatorblock 618).

The present invention thus provides an effective way for an RFIDtag-equipped vehicle to be identified, located, and tracked for salesand service purposes. The invention reduces customer frustration, andalso improves inventory control.

It should be understood that at least some aspects of the presentinvention may alternatively be implemented in a program product.Programs defining functions on the present invention can be delivered toa data storage system or a computer system via a variety ofsignal-bearing media, which include, without limitation, non-writablestorage media (e.g., CD-ROM), writable storage media (e.g., a floppydiskette, hard disk drive, read/write CD ROM, optical media), andcommunication media, such as computer and telephone networks includingEthernet. It should be understood, therefore in such signal-bearingmedia when carrying or encoding computer readable instructions thatdirect method functions in the present invention, represent alternativeembodiments of the present invention. Further, it is understood that thepresent invention may be implemented by a system having means in theform of hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware asdescribed herein or their equivalent.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.For example, while the present invention is described for locating andtracking a vehicle such as an automobile, the present invention is alsouseful in tracking any product capable of being attached to an RFID tagor any similar wireless device.

1. A method for tracking a progress of a product that is receivingscheduled product maintenance service, the method comprising: attachinga radio frequency identifier (RFID) to a product; using the RFID tolocate the product within a service area; providing a real-time locationfor the product within the service area to a website, and accessing thewebsite to determine a progress status of scheduled product maintenanceservice being performed on the product.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the product is a vehicle.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: in response to determining that the vehicle is in a parkinglot in which RFIDs are monitored, automatically sending a customer anelectronic message notifying the customer that service for the vehicleis complete.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: determining acoordinate position of the vehicle in the parking lot by triangulatingonto the location of the vehicle using one or more local basetransmitters that can interrogate the RFID; assigning a parking spaceidentifier to each parking space on the lot; and associating thecoordinate position of the vehicle with one of the parking spaceidentifiers.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: upondetermining the location of the vehicle, sending a signal from a localtransmitter to unlock the vehicle.
 6. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising: upon determining the location of the vehicle, sending asignal from a local transmitter to flash on lights on the vehicle. 7.The method of claim 4, further comprising: upon determining the locationof the vehicle, sending a signal from a local transmitter to honk a hornon the vehicle.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the real-time locationof the product within the service area is determined according to apre-determined order of service steps to be taken on the product.
 9. Amethod for tracking a progress of a product that is being repaired, themethod comprising: attaching a radio frequency identifier (RFID) to aproduct; using the RFID to locate the product within a repair area;providing a real-time location for the product within the repair area toa website; and accessing the website to determine a progress status ofrepair work that is being performed on the product.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the product is a vehicle.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising: in response to determining that the vehicle is in aparking lot in which RFIDs are monitored, automatically sending acustomer an electronic message notifying the customer that the repairwork for the vehicle is complete.
 12. A computer-readable medium encodedwith a computer program for tracking a progress of a product that isreceiving scheduled product maintenance service, the computer programcomprising computer executable instructions configured for: receivingproduct identification from a radio frequency identifier (RFID) that isattached to a product; using the RFID to locate the product within aservice area; providing a real-time location for the product within theservice area to a website; and accessing the website to determine aprogress status of scheduled product maintenance service being performedon the product.
 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, whereinthe product is a vehicle.
 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13,wherein the computer executable instructions are further configured for:in response to determining that the vehicle is in a parking lot in whichRFIDs are monitored, automatically sending a customer an electronicmessage notifying the customer that service for the vehicle is complete.15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the computerexecutable instructions are further configured for: determining acoordinate position of the vehicle in the parking lot by triangulatingonto the location of the vehicle using one or more local basetransmitters that can interrogate the RFID; assigning a parking spaceidentifier to each parking space on the lot; and associating thecoordinate position of the vehicle with one of the parking spaceidentifiers.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein thecomputer executable instructions are further configured for: upondetermining the location of the vehicle, sending a signal from a localtransmitter to unlock the vehicle.
 17. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the computer executable instructions are furtherconfigured for: upon determining the location of the vehicle, sending asignal from a local transmitter to flash on lights on the vehicle. 18.The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the computerexecutable instructions are further configured for: upon determining thelocation of the vehicle, sending a signal from a local transmitter tohonk a horn on the vehicle.